Ubisoft's "always on" DRM has been defeated, according to a report on CNET, where they say a playable cracked version of Assassin's Creed II is now in the wild. All new Ubisoft PC games, including AC2, include internet-based validation that has caused problems playing games, but has been described by the publisher as "vital" to its business. It seems a little unusual for a mainstream site like CNET to post updates on pirated software, though Ubisoft's public denial of the previous report that their DRM was cracked has arguably set a precedent for this as a news topic. Thanks Joao.

My nephew (xbox360 with custom firmware) does not have any problems with the ISOs for the xbox360. ALL of his friends are using xbox' with altered firmwares. Why is it that only the PC gamers are accused of being pirates? Of course, those hacked xbox360 are banned on live - but so what? Since they're cheap, the kids got a "clean" second console for original games and the live stuff.

But, of course, Ubisoft is blind on this eye.

Not that I would have bought the next "Splinter Cell" on PC. I've bought and played all the SC (no, this time not Starcraft! ) titles, but although my heart is bleeding, I won't buy this one. Won't buy it. Doesn't mean I won't play it.